Pat McGrath FetishEYES Mascara Review: Length, Volume, and Transfer Issues

This review delves into the Pat McGrath FetishEYES Mascara, a luxury product promising exceptional length and volume. We explore its elegant packaging and user-friendly wand, examining the mascara's performance from initial application to long-term wear. The review analyzes the buildable formula, detailing the results achieved with multiple coats and assessing the overall impact on lash appearance. Particular attention is paid to the mascara's pigment intensity and the comfort of the application process.However, this in-depth analysis also addresses a crucial drawback: significant transfer under the eyes. The review investigates the potential causes of this smudging and assesses its impact on the overall user experience. We consider whether the issue outweighs the positive aspects of length, volume, and rich color, ultimately providing a balanced perspective for readers considering this high-end mascara purchase.

Pros And Cons

Pat McGrath FetishEyes Mascara
  • Good pigmentation, very rich in hue
  • Volumizes and lengthens lashes
  • Nice wand
  • Intensely black
  • Transfers under the eyes
  • Not revolutionary or faster than other mascaras

Read more: Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara: 5 Must-Have Shades

Unboxing and First Impressions

The Pat McGrath FetishEYES mascara arrived in a sleek, blue package – a beautiful, almost aquatic shade. The presentation was immediately upscale, hinting at the luxury the brand is known for.

Inside, the mascara itself is housed in a standard tube. The wand, however, is a key feature: a classic design that's easy to use and avoids the prickly feeling some wands can have.

The mascara retails for $28 and contains 8ml of product. While the price point is higher than some drugstore options, it aligns with the premium nature of Pat McGrath's products.

Application and Performance

The initial coat provided average results – lengthening and volumizing, but nothing groundbreaking. The formula is intensely black, providing good pigmentation.

Applying the first coat of mascara
Applying the first coat of mascara

Adding a second coat significantly increased the drama, creating fuller, more noticeable lashes. The mascara builds well, allowing for customizable intensity.

Lashes after the second coat
Lashes after the second coat

A third coat added even more volume and length, showcasing the buildable nature of the formula. While impressive, the effect wasn't drastically different from many other high-end mascaras.

Lashes after the third coat
Lashes after the third coat

Transfer and Longevity

After several hours of wear, a noticeable transfer occurred under the eyes. This smudging appeared on both sides, suggesting it's a formula issue rather than application error.

Showing mascara transfer under the eyes
Showing mascara transfer under the eyes

The reviewer speculates that the transfer might be due to interaction with concealer, but acknowledges the possibility of a transferable formula. The smudging reappeared multiple times, despite wiping it away.

Further demonstration of mascara transfer after several hours
Further demonstration of mascara transfer after several hours

Despite the smudging, the mascara maintained length and volume for six to seven hours.

Overall lash appearance after application
Overall lash appearance after application

Final Verdict

The Pat McGrath FetishEYES mascara delivers on length and volume, boasting a rich black pigment and buildable formula. The wand design is comfortable and effective.

Final look of the lashes
Final look of the lashes

However, the significant transfer issue under the eyes significantly detracts from the overall experience. While the initial results are impressive, the smudging negates some of the positive aspects.

Close up of transfer under the eyes
Close up of transfer under the eyes

Ultimately, while the mascara provides good length and volume, the consistent transfer makes it a less-than-perfect option. Consider this before purchasing, especially if you're sensitive to smudging.